The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-09-15
A MERITEO COMPLIMENT.
Loyal Grand Army 1en Unite in Honor
ing Conscientious Official.

ing a Conscientious Oficial.
Among the officials of the Govern
ment who have distinguished them
selves by the magnificent record they
have made in improving the efficiency
of the service and introducing much
needed economy in management is
General Joan G. Black, Commissioner
of Pensions. Since he has been at the
head of the Pension Bureau, more
work has been done than ever before
in the same length of time; applica-
tiOns have been more promptly con-
sidered and acted upon, and notwith-
standing the great addition to the la
bOrs of the bureau the clerical force
has been materially reduced under the
present Commissioner. 1t is the fash
ion on the part of the Republican or
gans and stay-at-home patriots gener-
ally to sneer at the work done by Gen
eral Black; but it is very warmly ap-
preciated by the soldiers.
A pleasant exhibition of the feeling
of the soldiers toward the Commissioner
was shown in Brooklyn the other even
ing on the occasion of a reception
given to General Black. under the
auspices of the G and Army of the Re-
public. The veterans gave three rous-
ing cheers for him, at the suggestion
of the chairman, as 1.-THE man who al
ways gave the soldier the benefit of the
doubt" In his speech the General
spoke of the fact that even in foreign
countries veterans to the number of
100 are drawing the reward for their
service to this country, and said that
the Republic does not ask where a vet
eran goes, but what he may suffer.
'.If the time has come" continued
General Black, 'for rewarding those
who had fought and escaped injury,
then the laws must be passed in mod
Grafton. l do not, however, believe
that the Republic would reward per-
sons who had obtained honorable dis
charges on mean grounds, or those
who had been considered as bounty
jumpers. The Grand Army of the Re-
public is received everywhere with
honor. and their organization is a
church teaching the truths of a COM
mon religion, in which ali the virtues
had prominent place"
Noteworthy speeches were made by
General Daniel Z. Sickles and Cor
poral Tanner. The former said: ''Hls
General Black's) presence here calls
to my mind the fear that l had when
there was change in the Administra-
ton. Three years ago this was
brought about, and not only myself
but others feared that the pension
laws would not be administered with
that sympathy or cordiality which had
been previously done. 1 have been
thoroughly convinced that whatever
party may be in power the claims of
the veterans will always be recognized.
1t is gratifying TO know that the party
in power to-day has just as much SYM
pathy with the veterans rs its prede-
cessor. 1 do not believed that any
name should be placed on the pension
roll-the roll of honor-unless he has
done faithful service"
Corporal Tanner. whose Republican
ism viii not be questioned anywhere,
showed by his remarks how silly the
Republican organs are who carp at
the commissioner. Said he: al am
glad to be one of the persons TO well
come John c. Black to the city of
Brooklyn. l honor him rs a soldier.
his work as man and his record as
Commissioner of Pensions. He IS the
best we ever had. "-De:rOn Free Press